As the Oregon Legislature Turns

2021-2022 Solomon Inn Returns to In-Person (most of the time)

Despite the ongoing global pandemic, the members of the Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court (“GJS”) enjoyed another year of entertaining and educational programs. This year’s theme was “As the Oregon Legislature Turns,” and programs sought inspiration from the 2021 Oregon legislative session. Subjects included timely topics such as redistricting, the scope of executive authority, environmental policy, COVID relief, and election reform, among others. 

Both the content and manner of the presentations varied widely.  After an outdoor September kickoff reception (a wonderful opportunity in a lull between Delta and Omicron for Inn members to catch-up safely in person), we transitioned to a Fall filled with virtual Inn meetings and presentations. There was an impressive level of cooperation among the GJS members, who worked to find ways to engage with one another in a meaningful way. Despite the challenges of creating remote CLEs, each pupilage group ensured their presentations would be cohesive, even for if every member of the group would be appearing from a separate location. Presentations were preceded by a 30-minute social, during which attendees were randomly placed into smaller breakout groups where they discussed what they had been experiencing, both personally and professionally. As an unexpected result, attorneys who might have spent that in-person time catching up with colleagues met and got to know members who they might have otherwise not have spoken with.  New friendships and professional connections followed, which reinforced the mission of the national organization. 

In January 2022, GJS returned to in-person meetings, with a simultaneous live webcast for those who felt more comfortable attending remotely. With each meeting, the percentage of members returning to live presentations has increased. Though we all have grown weary of the impact of the Pandemic on our daily lives, the GJS’s return to in person meetings brought some joy to our professional endeavors. In one presentation, the cast of Sesame Street educated the Inn about redistricting. In another, an episode of “Wait wait… Don’t tell me!” was reimagined as “Wait wait… Don’t expel me!” and focused on efforts (successful and otherwise) to expel legislators at both the state and federal level.

The March pupilage group (pictured below) revert to the full-on sketch format that the GJS Inn members so enjoy. The danger of a botched calf implant operation provided the background for a riveting presentation about caps on economic and non-economic damages.    

March 2022 - Solomon Inn CLE on Tort Reform

March 2022 - Solomon Inn CLE on Tort Reform

Scene from March 2022 - Solomon Inn CLE on Tort Reform

Scene from March 2022 - Solomon Inn CLE on Tort Reform

Solomon Inn Navigates 2020 - 2021 Season with Good Cheer and Good Eats

Despite the many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 year was another successful one for The Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court. The Inn adapted to the pandemic by holding meetings over Zoom, which allowed members to prepare and participate from the safety of their homes (or wherever else they quarantined).

In recognition of how truly surreal the circumstances were, our program theme was 2020-2021: A Science Fiction Odyssey, and each pupilage group began with a piece of science fiction to use as the source of inspiration for their CLE. It resulted in several fascinating programs, including a group that used the film Spaceballs as inspiration for a CLE on water rights in Oregon and the west, and another based on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which inspired a CLE on Oregon’s historical treatment and exclusion of minorities.

The theme led to a diverse range of presentations and clever uses of technology. Many groups incorporated costumes and custom backgrounds to make it appear as if they were presenting from such locations as outer space, underground bunkers, or amidst riots and protests. Many topics were timely and covered hot-button issues such as race issues in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, what would happen if then-President Trump had declared martial law after the election, the Capital Insurrection, free Brittany Spears, and more. Topics were handled both seriously and irreverently (and often, a little of each).

Because we could not gather in person for our joint inn meeting, community service project or our end of year dinner, we worked with the other Portland Inn of Court (the Owen Panner Inn of Court) to plan a joint, multi-purpose event. For the community service prong of the event, we had a “front porch” food drive, in which members of both Inns donated money or food (which a member of our Executive Committee then delivered) to a local food pantry. At the end of the food drive, members of both Inns were invited to a joint Zoom social event. The event was held on May 25, 2021, and featured cooking lessons from The Kitchen at Middleground Farms. There were small breakout rooms before, during, and at the end of the lessons so members of the two Inns could chat. The food and drinks were delicious (according to those who made them during the presentation) and the conversations were lively and fun.

In the end, we believe that the Gus J. Solomon Inn of Court had a great 2020-2021 year. We made the best of a difficult situation, fostered community and connectiveness in a time of isolation, and provided a monthly bright spot for many of our members. That said, we very much look forward to being able to resume in person gatherings in 2021-2022.

May 2021 Zoom Webinar Presentation

May 2021 Zoom Webinar Presentation

Pancetta Appetizer made during May 2021 Solomon and Panner Inn Joint Zoom Cooking Class

Pancetta Appetizer made during May 2021 Solomon and Panner Inn Joint Zoom Cooking Class